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Please circulate this Address as iciddi/ ds possible. 



THE MANAfrEllS 



AlVIERIOAU COLONIZATION SOCIETY, 



THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES. 



Adopted at their Meeting, June 19, 1S32. 



i-^- 



WHAT OUGHT TO BE PONE, CAK BE PONE. 



WASHINGTON 




183-2. 

PRINTED BY JAMES C. DUNN, GEORGETOWN, D. C. 



gC^Postage on this sheet as a periodical, by order of the Post-Master General, under 
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TO THE PEOPLE OP THE UNITED STATES. 



The practicability of colonizing in Africa, any number of the 
Free People of Colour of the United States, that may choose to 
emigrate, being demonstrated; the Manaa;ers of the American Co-- 
ionization Society, address their fellow-citizens, under a deep coii» 
viction, that this whole nation is now sunimoned to aid the work, 
by the most weighty considerations of interest, duty, and charity. 
Believing, as the Managers do, that it is a work ofimmediate and 
vast importance, on the accomplishment of which, depends the tem- 
poral and eternal happiness of millions in this country, and in Af- 
rica, and which can be adequately done only by the combined 
powers of the nation, they are urged irresistably, to make an ap- 
peal in its behalf to all the patriotic, humane, and religious of the 
laud. Nor can they doubt that ten thousand hearts will respond 
to this appeal, and ten thousand hands be stretched out with ofier- 
ings to a cause, invested, with all that can attract aftection and kin- 
dle enthusiasm in the noblest minds. Of the success of the plan, 
they can now speak not merely with hope, but with confidence. — 
A Colony of more than two thousand persons, firmly established, 
well-ordered and well-governed; prosperous in trade; moral and 
religious in character; with schools and churches; courts of justice, 
and a periodical press; enlarging its territory, and growing in 
strength; respected by all who have visited it from Europe, and ex- 
erting a salutary and extensive inlluence over the native tribes, 
now offers an asylum for our free coloured population, and to our 
citizens, every means and motive for conferring freedom on those 
who enjoy it not, and imparting civilization and Christianity to Af- 
rica. 

Though the Managers regard the scheme of the Society, as es- 
sentially connected with the purity and stability of our political in- 
stitutions, and the glory of our national character, yet it is rather in 
its benevolent aspect towards a long alflicted and degraded peo- 
ple, in the midst of us, and their more wretched brethren in Afri- 
ca, that they would commend it to the patronage of the public. — 
Tiiat there are causes operating to retard the improvement and de- 
press the minds of the free people of colour in the United States, 
which no benevolence nor even Religion, can for ages, if ever remove; 
and that the elevation, to any great degree, of our coloured popula- 
tion generally, depends upon their settlement as a distinct commu- 
nity, in some country beyond the reach of those embarrassing cir- 
cumstances, from which, neither humanity nor legislation can re- 
lieve them here, the Managers consider decided both by reason 
and experience. It is not merely with law and prejudice that the 



free niau of colour has liore to conten-.l, l.ut w itli stipoiiur know- 
ledge, wealth and intiuence, with a comjx^ilion to which he is un- 
equal, willi a dt't'p sense ol" the tliraldnm df his i)ast, and the dis- 
advantages of his prtsent eonditi-mi, ^vith nii inwrought conviction, 
that ivhatever may be the worthy temporal, object of his pursuit, 
he has little prospi ct of attaining it, and that neither he nor his 
brethren can stem the tide, which beats against him in almost every 
course of life. 

In Liberia, he exhibits not the semblance, but the reality of 
freedom, stands forth conscious that no barrier opposes his progress^ 
iri improvement, feels his spirit stirred by new motives and better 
liopes, is awakened to the convictioji that a great practicable good 
is to be achieved by him, not for himself alone, but for iiis posteri- 
ty, and his race throughout all time and throughout the world; 
experiences, in fine, almost the power of a new cieation forming 
him for actions worthy of his nature and his destiny. That a 
change, so striking and beneticial, is realized by the intelligent and 
well-disposed man of colour on his arrival at the Colony, is proved 
by abundant and unquestionable testimony. The oflicers of our 
own Navy, as well as enlightened foreigners, have witnessed with 
wonder and delight this transformation, from iuibecility and hope- 
lessr>ess, to activity, and confuleiice, and manliness and high antici- 
patians. 

But wl>i}e the Society wovild confer vpon free men of colour un- 
speakable blessings, it oilers the best asylum for slaves manumitted 
from regard to interest, humanity or conscience. Who does not 
know that in many States, the right of emancipation has been de- 
nied to the master, on the ground, that the exercise of such right 
would be inconsistent with the public good? Yet the restrictions 
of law have to a great extent proved ineflectual to prevent mauu- 
jnission, and numerous slaves have been transferred to other States, 
wherein they might enjoy, at least, nominal freedom, though stilt 
uritouched by the spirit, and denied the blessings of Genuine Li- 
berty. The Society adhering closely to its original design and 
principles, and exerting no intiwence upon slavery, except a moral 
influence, through the will of the master; gives freedom to that will, 
relieves it from every embarrassment, and demonstrates to the view 
of all concerned, how emancipation to any and every extent desired, 
may be effected, not with danger or detriment, but rather with 
advantage to the public, and vast and perpetual benefit to the 
slave. Certain it is, that thousands of our fellow-citizens, whose 
dearest interests are identified with the prosperity and honour of 
the South, give their countenance and aid to the Society, not 
merely because it is most beneficial to the people of colour al- 
ready free, but as offering powerful inducements to voluntary man- 
umission by individuals, and States. And true it is, that the ene- 
mies of the Society are reduced to two classes, those who would 
abolish slavery instantaneouslv, and those who desire it may never 
be abolished. Hundreds are uow freemen in I.itifia, who vvcr® 



VeL-^iidy slaves in xW. UuiteJ Elates, and many olliers of the Fam6 
■oiass are hcil<l in trust lor the Society whenever its means shall be 
adequate to their colonization. 

But AlVica makes htr appeal to our sympathy and charity, •in a 
tone of earnestness and distress to which we are bound to listen, 
and which the Board trust cannot be resisted. It is along her 
tlark shores and over her immense but uncultivated fields, that 
the Society will dispense its richest blessings. What a night 
of gloom urul terror has settled, for ages, on her land! Her 
immense population covered with barbarism, given up as prey 
to outrage and violeirce, cursed by a tTaiiic which has set brothet- 
against brother, desolated families and villages, excited the worst 
passions of savage nature, ruthlessly sundered all the ties of kin- 
dred and affection, and seizing with merciless and unyielding giasp 
its bleeding and broken-heartedvictims, borne them crowded and 
crushed and dying into foreign and h-opeless bondage! And even 
now; when hertries haVe pierced the heart of Christendom, ^vhert 
states and kingdoniis have legislated and united to put an end to 
her sufferings, still torn, plundered, and robbed of her children by 
the pirates of all nations; she stietches out her hands and casts an 
imploring eye towards the friends of God and man, iu this free and 
blessed country, for that deliverance, which she has looked for la 
Vain to all the World beside. 

And who can doubt that to this Nation the iiderests of th^ 
African race are, by Providence, especially entrusted. The 
means by which our high and solemn duty to her is to be discharg- 
ed, is evident. Her exiled children in the midst of us, are wait- 
ing to return to her, not as they came, ignorant and enslaved barb'a^ 
rians, but free and instructed christians, capable with the -aid that 
we can give them, of founding upon her shores civilized ihstitu- 
tions, of becoming teachers and guides to her people^ of inculcating 
among them, those lessons of wisdom, which men with few advanta- 
ges are not alv.'ays the last to learn, that the duty of man is never at 
war with his interest, and flmt happiness is the handmaid of virtli'e. 
Already in the vicinity of Liberia are they abandoning the traffic 
in slaves, for a more peaceful commerce and the humane arts of life, 
and numerous tribes have sought the protection and adopted, as 
their own, the laws of the Colony. 

That similar colonies established at proper intervals ftltohg tlie 
whole coast of western Africa, by men of the same 'complexioii 
andancestry with the natives, and who, having suft'ered, themselves, 
can coramisserate their afflicted brethren, who, consehting and as- 
sisted to emigrate, not from mere selfish views, but by the holier mo- 
tives of philanthropy and religion, that such colonies will erect im- 
passable barriers between the parties in the slave trade, and by 
opening to the African tribes the sources of a better commerce and 
communicating to them a knowledge of the Christian faith, win 
them over to the love and practice of truth, and soci il virtue, may 
be as confidently expected, as that any moral means, well directed, 
win reform a debased a.nd vnirivilired p»»ople. 



True it is asked, will the iguorant and degraded mcti of coloin ofthia 
country become the best missionaries to enlighten and regenerate Af- 
rica? To this we reply (hat there are men of colour in the U. S. who 
are well informed and exemplary christians, that such as tliese have 
founded our present African Colony, that the very work to which 
they are called will develope their powers, and give elevation to 
their character, and finally, that plans for education and improve- 
ment commensurate with the necesj>ities of every settlement which 
may be made, enter essentially into the views of the society. 

If in a little more than two centuries, our own country has by 
colonization been changed irom a wilderness into a fruitful Held, if 
a free and enlightened Nation of twelve millions has sprung up 
here, where but lately, the wolf and savage roamed unmolested 
amid boundless forests, where nature looked wild and rude as 
they; if beautiful villages, and populous cities, Hallsof Legislation, 
magnificent Ediiices, Temples of justice and a thousand Churches 
stand before us the monuments of our greatness; what may we not 
anticipate for Africa from the settlement of civilized and christian 
men upon her shores? And by whom can such settlements be so 
well founded, as by the free people of colour of the United States? 
Does not Providence clearly invite them to a work of unexampled 
promise, to (heir posterity and mankind? And is not this nation 
urged to assist them by the same Providence not less manifestly, 
and by motives as numerous and great as ever wrought upon the 
human mind. 

The -Alanagers feel that the time has come, w hen it were crimi- 
nal on this subject, to be silent. They feel that something should 
he done, compared with ivhich all that has been done is vothirt"-. — 
They know that a spirit should go abroad throughout all the bor- 
ders of the land, like that which kindled in the heaits of our With- 
ers, when they staked (heir all for independence; that every lover 
of man and of Cod, is called, as by a mandate from Heaven, to lift 
up his voice and bring forward his contribution to efi'ect an object, 
the doing of which, >vill in all after ages, be deemed our Nation's 
chief glory, while Africa will record and celebrate it, as the great 
moral revolution in her history. True, the woik is a great one; and 
therefore, worthy of a nation like this. That it is prac(icable to 
any extent desired, is as evident as (hat it is great. The sum 
saved in a single year to the state of New York, by the partial re- 
formation from intemperance, would transport to Africa (he annual 
increase of the whole coloured population of (he U.S. And shall wr, 
the most prosperous people in the world, who are legislating not (o 
increase, but i educe our revenue, want for such an object, a mere pit- 
tance of that which is, yearly, by luxury and intemjierance worse 
than wasted? The magnitude of the work and (he expense to be in- 
curred in its accomj)lishment, constitute no \ alid objections to it, be- 
cause the importance and glory of it exceed the former, and our means 
the latter. And that history gives no precedent for such a work, will 
prove but a miserable apology for neglecting it, unless it be reasoua- 



bl« to mako the standard of our duly and the incanure of cur rcncicn 
correspond to those of lung bmhd nations, rather than to the 
greatness ofoiir obligation* to Cod, of our opportunilies and meaiis 
ofusefuhicss and the^ height of christian c/(«ri/;/. Surely the peo- 
ple of the United States cannot forget how God hath delivered and 
exalted them by his own ri^ht hand, that the light of their exam- 
ple might bless the world; nor will they sacrifice both duty and 
renown, for fear of showing to mankind that it is possible for na- 
tions as well as individuals to be magnanimous and illustrious lor 
virtue. 

The Managers appeal then to the clergy of every denomina- 
tion, and invite them, annually, on or near the day consecrated to 
the memory of our Independence, to bring the claims of the Society 
before their people, and to receive, in furtherance of its object, such 
free-will offerings as gratitude to God and love to men may incline 
them to bestow. 

They appeal to the Auxiliary Societies and urge them to come 
forward with increased power to the work, to assist in forming 
other kindred associations, and by widely diffusing information to 
excite the whole American community, duly to consider and pro- 
mote the cause. 

To their fair country-women, who are ever first to feel for 
the wretched, and foremost to administer relief, whose moral 
influence in society, though their own modesty may under- 
value it, humanity and religion acknowledge to be of vast power 
and unspeakable worth, Africa, darker in her mourning than her 
complexion, offers in silent grief, her plea, which it were impos- 
sible to render more convincing by argument, or touching by elo- 
quence. She looks to American benevolence as to that in which 
all her precious hopes are treasured up, and for their fulfilment, 
nature itself will plead more strongly than we can, in every female 
heart. 

Nor would the Managers omit to say to those who control the 
public press, that almost omnipotent engine for moving human 
minds to action, that to them, belongs the power of securing to the 
design of this Society, the amplest means for its speedy consumma- 
tion. Let every Editor in the country, feel himself responsible to 
make known throughout the limits of his influence, the views, 
operations and success of the Society, and that which it hasbeen 
attempting in weakness, will be done with power, that which pri- 
vate charity has so well commenced, be completed by the bounty of 
the States and the Nation. 

In concluding this, perhaps too protracted address, the Mana- 
gers beg leave to say, that not less than one thousand emigrants are 
now seeking a passage to Liberia; that the Colony is prepared to re- 
ceive them, that funds only are wanting to enable the society to prose- 
cute its enterprise on a large scale, and that all which can appeal to our 
interests, encourage our hopes, or move our hearts to charity, now 
commends the tause oi African Colonijation to the affection and 



li'jorality of oi;r countiymeu. Nor will they, the Managers aifc 
persuaded, remain insensible to the merits of this cause. Every 
where meet us the indications of its growing popularity. Justice 
and Compassion, Mercy and Charity, have gone forth in fellowship, 
to plead for it, and the Managers trust in the great Auth.or of all good 
10 seiid forth his spirit to their aid — that Spiiit — under whose di- 
vine illuminations and all-gracious but ali-subduing energies, men 
of every country and condition shall finally rejoice in peace and 
love, sharers, in unity, of the same faith, and of the same hope of 
the great and common salvation. And if from the thick gloom 
overshadowing Africa, light begins to break forth, let us look for 
brighter glory, and believe that he who made Joseph's captivity 
the precursor of his honour, and his usefulness, and the death 
of his own Son, at which nature trembled, the means of hu- 
man redemption, will finally change the evils which have cursed 
Africa, into blessings; that the slave trade and slavery, which have 
been to her a torrent of wrath, laying waste all her happiness and 
hopes, will end in a tide, deep, tranquil and refreshing, flow- 
ing forth to wake life and gladness in all her wildernesses and soli- 
tary places, and to make even her deserts to bud and blossom as the 
rose. 

By order of the Board. 

R. R. GURLEY, Secretary. 



(^ Editors of Newspapers and other periodicals are respectfully 

requested to publish the above aclJress. 

^t^' All collections or donations may be transmitted by mail, tc 

Richard Smith, Esq. Treasurer, Washington City, or to the Treasurer of any of the 
State Societies. 

{^ The Treasurers of State and other Auxiliary Societies, with 

whom collections may be deposited, will please send to us the names of all clergy- 
men by whom the collections were taken up, that they may be early supplied witb 
the African liepository gratuitously 

()t^ All communications relating to the general interests ot the 

Society, or the Editorial Department of the Repository, to be directed to R. R, Gur ■ 
ley, Secretary, Washington. Those relating to the pecuniary concerns of the Re- 
pository, to James C. Dunn, Georgetown. 

(jt^- The Repository is published monthly, each No. containing 

32 pages, at $2 per year 

i^ This Address furnished promptly to all orders, at $-2 per 100. 



APPtiNDiX. 



Origin uf the Society. 

i)r. Fotliergill and Granville Sharp appear first to have considered the 
Subject of African Colonization in England. The latter of these a most il- 
lustrious philanthropist, may be regarded as the founder of the Colony of 
iSierra Leone. Indeed, the earliest thoughts the writer has seen on Afiican 
Colonization, are from the pen of Granville Sharp in 178.3. The late Dr. 
Thornton of Washington, was enthusiastically engaged in favour of coloni- 
zing free men of colour, from tlie U. States in Africa in 1787, but unfortu- 
nately h.is efforts failed. Tlie venerable Dr. Hopkins of Uhode Island corres- 
ponded with G. Sharp on the subject in 1789, and Ferdinando Fairfa.Y of 
Virginia, published an able article on the subject in 1790. Tiie subject was 
seriously considered in the Virginia Legislature during tlie administration of 
Mr. Jefferson The lie v. Dr. Finley of New Jersey gave much thought to 
it, in 1814 — 15, and assisted by tlie Hon, C F. Mercer, F. S. Key and E. B. 
Caldwell and others, who had also long reflected upon the matter, founded 
the Society in December 1816. 

In the session of the legislature of Virginia, hi 1816, the subject was 
brought forward, and tlie following resolution was adopted by a large ma- 
jority. 

'Whereas the (ieneral Assembly of Virginia have repeatedly sought to 
obtain an asylum beyond the limits of the United Slates, for sucli persons of 
colour as had been or miglil be emanci|)ated under the laws of this Com- 
monwealth, but have hitherto found all their efforts frustrated, either by the 
disturbed state of other nations, or domestic causes equally unpropitious to 
its success. 

♦They now avail themselves of a period when peace has healed the wounds 
of humanity, and the principal nations of Europe have concurred with the 
government of the United States, in abolishing the African Slave Trade (a 
traffic which this Commonwealth, both before and since the revolution, zeal- 
ously sought to exterminate,) to renew this effort, and do therefore 

^Resolve, That tlie executive be requested to correspond with the President 
of the U. States, for the purpose of obtaining a Territory on the coast of Af- 
rica, or at some other place, not within any of the states or territorial gov- 
ernments of the U. States, to serve as an asylum for such persons of colour 
as are now'free, and may desire the same, and for tliose who may hereaf- 
ter be emancipated within this Commonweallli; and that the Senators and 
Representatives of this state in the Congress of the U. States, be requested 
to exert their best efforts to aid the President of the U. States in the at^ 
tainment of the above objects. 

'Provided, That no contract or arrangement respecting such territory 
uhali be obligatory on this Commonwealth, until ratified by tlie legislature.' 
Early proceedings of the Society. 

In 1818, Messrs Mills and Burgess visited Africa by the way of England, 
and acquired much valuable information. The death of Mr. Mills on his re- 
turn, deprived the world of one of tlie best and most useful of men. The 
reports of these agents were of great importance. 

The first expedition, tliat of the Elizabeth, sailed in 1820, with the socie- 
ty's Agent, the lie v. Samuel Bacon, and two agents of the government, 
Messrs Crozer and Banlcsoii, who, in an unfortunate attempt to establish the 
colony at an unfavourable season on the unhealthy Island of Sherbo, with 
several of the emigrants, fell victims to the African fever. In 1S21, Messrs 
Andrews and Wiltbergcr on the part of the Society, and .Messrs Winij and 



10 

K. Ducon as United SUtes apents, vvitli a number of emigrants, praceeded 
to Africa, and obtained y^ermissioii of the government of'Sierra Leone, for 
the colonists to remain there until a territory could be purchased of llie na- 
tives. Mr. and Mrs. Winn and Mr. Andrews died before any 9<iitabl« 
tract for the colony was obtainetl. 

Founding of the Coloni/. 
In December, 1821, Ur. Kli A) res, with Capt. Stockton, of the United' 
States Navy, purchascil from the natives the wiioleofa territory called 
Montserado, on the south west coast of Afiica, in the name of the Society. 
The first settlers arrived at tiie Colony in June, 1822; and in that year, Mr. 
Ashmun took charg'e of it, as Ag'ent or (.ovcrnor, in the place of Dr. .^^■res, 
whose health had oblig-ed him to return. The efforts of Dr. Ayres were 
of great importance. 

Attempt nf the natives to destroy the infant Cnhnij. 

This was made in November 1822, soon after tiie arrival of .Mr. Ashmurj 
and while he was dangerously ill. The defences of tiie colony were in- 
complete, and the whole effective force consisted of thirty-five men. They 
fought for existence, and in the bravest manner. 

The enemy consisted of a body of eight hundred men, and made a most 
furious attack on the 8tli of November, 1822 Unfortunately one pass was 
neglected to be properly defended, and there the enemy forced an en- 
trance, and captiired one of the guns, which happily they knew not how to 
manage. The colony was saved by their want of discipline. Had they 
pushed forward, their success was certain; the coloulsts could not liave re- 
sisted; but the assailants betook themselves to plunder, in great confusion: 
this afforded the colonists time to rally; they recaptured the gun; an<l turn- 
edit on tiie enemy, who were wedged in a solid mass. Ureat destruction 
took place, and they fled in utt.er confusion; it was supposed they had 60 
or 80 killed. 'I'lie loss on the other side, was considerable, three men and 
one woman killed, two men and two women severely wounded, and seven 
children captured. 

The colonists, as soon as the enemy had disappeared, immediately began 
to complete their defences, and prepare for anotiier attack, which tliey 
understood from their spies, was to be made with a greater force at the 
close of the month. The attack accordingly commenced on the oOth, with 
one thousand five hundred assailants. The fortifications weie in a far bet- 
ter state than before, but the number of eil'ective men less, not quite 30. — 
The besiegers were, after a long and ardent struggle, finally defeated, with 
severe loss. The garrison had one man killed, and two badly wounded. — 
Mr. Ashmun's services were invaluable, and were the means of saving the 
place. 

Establishment and form of Government. 

The existing fcr n of government was establisiicd in August 1S21, during 
the visit of the present Secretary of the Society. Great difficulties had 
arisen in the administration of affairs, and the whole state of tilings was 
dark and unsettled. The form of government then drawn up, was submit- 
ted to the assembled colonists, and by them unanimously adopted. The 
Board of Managers of the Society appoint the Colonial Agent, who is ;i 
white man: all tiie other officers are men of colour, the most important of 
which, are elected annually by the colonists. The government is in great 
measure Uepublican, and designed expressly to prepare the colonists ably 
and successfully to govern themselves. In their address to their brethren 
of the United States in 1827, they say "our laws are altogether our own, 
they grew out of our circumstances; are formed for our exclusive benefit; 
and administered either by officers of our own ajipointment, or such as pos- 
sess our entire confidence. We have a judiciary, chosen from among our- 
selves; we serve as jurors in the trial of others; and are liable to be tried 
only by juries of our fellow-citizens, ourselves. We have all that is meant 



11 

by liberty of conscience; the time and mo'le of worsliippinjj (Joel as pre- 
scribed to us in his word, and dictated by our conscience, we are not only 
free to follow, but are protected in followinj,'-." Shortly after the estab- 
lishment of the g-overnment, Mr. Ashman was appointed Colonial Agent, 
and with disting;uished ability and usefulness, continued to discharge his 
duties, until in 1828, an illness wliich soon proved fatal, compelled him to 
leave his station. Dr. Itichard Randall succeeded him in the agency, but 
the colony was soon called to mourn his decease. Dr. Mechlin is the 
present Colonial .\gent and long may his valuable life be preserved to the 
cause! Among those who liave fallen as martyrs to this work of humanity 
and religion, should be recorded the names of Sessions and Anderson and 
Holton and Skinner and Peaco and Seton, all of whom laboured to promote 
it as Phj'sicians, Agents, Missionaries, or in some \vi\y gave to it, their ser- 
vices. Nor will such men of colour as Cary and Erskine be forgotten 
while Philanthropy and Piety are respected among Men. 
Description of the Colony. 
The name of Liberia, has been given to the Colony, because it is the 
land of the free'd. Cape Montserado, on which stands the principal town 
(Monrovia, so called, in honour of President Monroe,) lies in about the sixth 
degree of North Latitude. The ts'act of country under the Colonial juris- 
diction, iias been obtained by fair purchase, from time to time, from the na- 
tives, and extends from one hundred and fifty, to two hundred miles along 
the coast, and indefinitely into the interior. Two important Districts, 
fjrand Bassa, and Cape Mount, have recently been acquired in this way. — 
There are several rivers, most of them small however. The St. Paul's is 
half a mile wide at its mouth, and were it not obstructed by falls, would ad- 
mit of boat na\igation, two or ihi-ee hundred miles. The three principal 
Towns are Monrovia, and Caldwell, about seven miles distant on the St. 
Paul's (which is connected with the Montserado river, by Stockton Creek,) 
and Mills and Burgess, (or by contraction Millsburg,) about fifteen miles 
above Caldwell, on the same river. The houses in Monrovia, are substan- 
tially built, many of them of stone. 

Fertility and .i^ricuUure. 

In their address, the Colonists say, "A more fertile soil, and a more ]5rn- 
ductive county, so far as it is cultivated, there is not, we believe on the face 
of the earth." Dr. Itandall sajs, "that the land on both sides of Stockton 
Creek, is e(iual, in every respect to the best on the southern rivers of the 
United States." ^ 

Mr. Ashmun thus enumerates the animals and products of the country: 
Horses, cattle, sheep, goats, swine, ducks, geese, chickens, and Guinea 
fowls, in abundance; fish in the greatest plenty; plantains, bananas, vines, 
lemons, oranges, tamarinds, mangoes, cashew, prunes, guava, j/me apple, 
grape, cherry, and a species of peach; sweet potatoe, cassada, yams, cocoa, 
ground nuts, arrow root, egg plant, okr.a, every variety of beans and peas, 
cucumbers and melons, pumpkins, &c. Sec ; rice, Indian corn, Guinea corn, 
millet, pepoer, excellent coffee, sugar, cotton and indigo. Indeed, sugar, 
cotton, coffee, and indigo, grow wild. 

Climate, and health of the Settlers. 
In the early years of the Colony, want of good houses, the great fatigues 
and dangers of the settlers, the discouragements they met with, their igno- 
rance of the proper mode of living, and of the best remedies, aided the 
other causes of sickness, and produced great mortality. But those times are 
past and forgotten. Their houses and circumstances are now covKfortable; 
they are abundantly supplied with medical assistance; and for the last five 
years (as stated in the address of the Colonists in 1827,) not one persjn in 
forty, from the middle and Soutliern States, has died from change of climate. 
The effect is most severely felt by those from the Northern States, or from 
mountainous parts of the middle States; but experience has proved that, 



12 



with ordinary priulence, no danjjer is to be apprelieiuled even bj pt rsrtrtS 
from those places, who are sober and liave no radical detects of constitution. 
As the country becomes more thickly settled and better cultivated, it will 
like all other new countries, become more healthy- From the past mortal- 
ity or present sickliness, no discouragement will be felt by tliose who have 
read iin account of the early attempts to found (jolonies in this favoured 
land- At a little distance from the sea, the land becomes rnore elevated, 
and there is the best reason to belie\e that the causes of disease on the coast 
are unknown in the interior. On these hig-lilands, settlements will doubtless 
soon be established. L'nder date of the 28ih of April. 1832, Dr. Mechlin, 
writes, "among' the emig-nints by the N'olador, (,'ritei'ion, (Jrion, James Per- 
kins, Margaret Mercci-, antl Crawford, tlie number of deaths will not aver- 
age quite 4 per cent." I'or emigrants from the wide extent of our southern 
country, the climate may be pronounced salubrious. 

CotnrnEtce. 

The Colonists are actively engaged in trade, disposing of goods supplied 
by this country and Kngland, for dye woods, ivory, hides, gbld, palm oil, 
and rice, which they purchase by barter from the natives The nett profits 
on the two articles of wood and ivory, p-.issing through the hands of the set- 
tlers, from .lunuary 1st, 1826, to June 15, 1826, was ^30,786. In ld29, the 
exports of African products umtnintcd to $60,000. In 1831, forty-six vcs*. 
sels, twenty-one of whicli were American, visited the Colony in the course 
of the year, and the amount of exports was §88,911. 

Education and Moral State of the Colony. 

Great efforts have been made to establish and support schools in the Colo- 
ny. The Managers are resolved that every child .shall enjoy the benefit of 
instruction. There are three principal schools, and the following will show 
something of their state, according to the latest returns. 

Present condition of the Public Schools at Monrovia, Caldwell and IMiUslnLrg;. 









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Date. 


Names 

of 

Teachers. 


III 


O 
35 O 




1 


1 


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JO "-1 

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£§($ 


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1832. 




.« 


1 








1 




















Monrovia 


Jan. 1 


J. Rcvey 


4(10 


•20 


16 


4 


40 


1 


14 


1 


ii 


69 


34 


34 


23 


3 


12 


Caldwell 


" 


R. Ilaivoy 


(00 


•20 


\h 


5 


40 


17 


7 


4 


32 


(i7 


39 


22 


9 


6 


5 


Millsburg 


" 


N. Braudei 


too 


9 


9 


1 


19, 


'21 


. (.. 


26 


21 


10 


8 




2 






1 




'49 


40 


10 


99 


145-251 .'he! 


164 


94 


66 


4(1 


i; 


19 



School hours during the year from 9 o'clock. A. M., toj 
12 o'clock, M., and from 2 o'clock, to 5 o'clock, p. M. 
Monrovia, January 2, 1832. 



Boys 

Girls, 



99 
76 
175 



Total No. of Pupil 
J. iMECHLk\. Jr. == 

A school, it is expected, will soon be established for the 9|()ecial benefit of 
the Recaptured Africans, who form a flourishing village by themselves; call- 
ed New (ieorgia. Few communities, it is believed, are more moral and re- 
ligious than that at Liberia. Divine service is attended three limes on Sun- 
day, and on Thursday and Friday evenings. For other particulars in regard 
to the moral character of the Colony, we refer our readers to the testimony 
of those who have visited it. 



(15 

Injluprice of tlte Colony in supprrssing the Slave Tradt, and civilizing the Na- 

live Tribea. 

A late Knf»'lisl» OfTiccr, wlio bad been some time on (lie African Coast, 
mentions the subject: "Nothing- liiis tended more to suppress the slave 
trade in this quarter tlian the constant intercourse and communication ofthe 
natives with these industrious Colonists 'J'he American Ag-ent, Mr. Ash- 
mun, took every opportunity and means in his power to extinguish a traffic 
so injurious in every way to the fair trader; and at Cape Montserado good 
and correct information was always to be obtained of any slave vessels on 
tlie Coast witiiin the communication or influence of the Colony. This ac- 
tive, respectable, and intelligent man, is since dead; but his spirit still ac- 
tuates all his people." 

'I'he same Officer observes; 'The character of these industrious Colo- 
nists is exceedingly correct and moral, their minds strongly im_pressed with 
religious feelings, their manners sei'ious and decorous, and tlieir domestic 
liabits remarkably neat and comfortable. AVherever the influence of this 
Colony extends, the slave tra le has been abandoned by the natives, and 
the |)eaceful piu-suits of legitimate commerce established in its place. A 
few Colonies of this kind scattered along the Coast, would be of infinite 
value in improving tlie natives. 'J'hey would much sooner acquire their 
confidence and esteem, as not exciting that jealousv which foreigners al- 
ways cause; and the very example of their own race, thus raised in the 
moral antl social scale, would be the strongest motive to induce others to 
adopt and practise those qualities by which they were rendered so much 
more comfortable and happy. Should no unfortunate event retard the 
progress of those Colonists, and no baneful vices be introduced among 
them, there is every reason to hope that they will diffuse cidtivation and 
improvement in Africa to a considerable extent, as they have already done, 
on a limited scale, as tar as their influence has reached.' 

The Colonial Agent writes, you can have no idea of the favourable im- 
pressions we have made on the natives ofthe country. They are constant- 
ly sending messages, requesting us to settle at different points of the 
coast. During a recent visit ofthe Agent to some native towns, nearer to. 
the Colony, eight or ten chiefs, after consultation with each other, united 
in the request that they might be received and treated as subjects ofthe 
Colony. 

Slave Trade — Origin, Character, and Extent. 

Henry, King of Portugal, under authority from three IJoman Pontiffs, as 
early as tlie jear 1454, took possession of several Islands and Havens on 
the Cyoast of Africa, and took thence many Slaves —some by force, and 
some by barter. The Portuguese first imported Slaves into Hispaniola, in 
1508; and into their Brazilian Colonies, in 1517. For more than three cen- 
turies, some of the Christian powers of Kiirope have been engaged in this 
traffic: anrl, for more than a century and a half, it was prosecuted, by all 
Christendom, with extraordinary zeal and energy. The French Guinea 
Company contracted, in 1702, to .supply the Spanisii West Indies with o8,- 
000 negroes, in ten years. In 1715, there was a Treaty between England 
and Spain, for the importation of 144,000 negroes, in thirty years. Some 
liave estimated the whole number of Slaves exported from Africa, since 
the origin of this tr.ade, at nearly 20,000,000. 

The cruelties attending this trade, are probably greater now than at any 
former period. 'I'he slave ships are now crowded to excess, and the mor- 
tallity is dreadful. In 1816, the African Instiution ascertained, that one 
vessel, of 180 tons, took 530 slaves; of which, 120died on the passage to 
Tortola. Another, of 272 tons, received 642 slaves, and lost 140. Anoth- 
er vessel lost 200, out of 600. Another 96, out of 500. Another, of 120 
tons, took on board 600 slaves; and though when captured, she had sailed 
but 80 leagues, she had lost 30, and many others were in a dying state. — 



11 

l")r. iMiilip, a (lislinguishetl niissi(in:»rv at the Cape o! (;<ki,1 tlopp, esli^ 
mateslhe nunilier annually exporteil, at 100,U!Ja. In 1.S2.';, Mr. Ashmiin 
wrote from the Colony, that at least OJJJ slaves were annually exported 
from capes Monnt and Moiitscndo. in 1821, l!i^ African Institution re- 
ports 120,000, as the number exported from the coast, and presents a de- 
tailed list of the names of two hundred and eii^hteen vesiels, believed to 
be enfjaijed in the trade durinsr that year. In 1827, one hundred and twen- 
ty-five vess^eis sailed from Cuba to Africa, for slaves. Within tiie last elev- 
en years, 322, .526 slaves have been imported into the single port of Ulo 
Janeiro; that is, an average of 29,320 aniHiuIiy. 

I he Colony of Liberia has already done much, and will do vastly more 
for the suppression of this atrocious trade. 

Progress of the Cause of the Society in this Country. 
^ The Legislatures of fourteen Stales, New Ilan)ps!iire, Vermont, Conn. 
New Vork, N^ew .Jersey, I'ennsvlvania, DLdawarc, Maryland, Virginia, Geor- 
gia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana, have passed resolutions dis- 
tinctly approving of the Scheme of colonizing the free coloured popu- 
Intion, and most of them recommending the objects of the Society. Kleven 
of those states have instructed their Senatoi's, and requested their Repre- 
sentatives in (;ongress to promote, in the general government, measures 
tor removing such tree per-ons of colour as are desirous of emigrating to 
Africa. And 'nearly all the ecclesiastical bodies in the Unite4 States have, 
hy resolutions, filly expressi.l their opinion, tiiat tlie Society merits the 
consideration and favour of the wliole Christian community, and earnestly 
recommended it to tlieir patronage.' 

JSutiihirs Colonized. 

The \ybole number of emigrants sent out by the Society in twenty-three 
expeditions (the recaptured Afi-icans from three to four luindred'not in- 
•cluded) 2,061. Of the above, were slaves, manumitted for the purpose of 
colonization, 613 

Jieceipts of thf Society, up to June 20th, 1833, $155,912 52. 

Present Estimated expense of Colonization. 
This, including support for six months after the arrival of the emigrants in 
Africa is ih35 each. Were the scheme to be prosecuted on a large scale the 
fxpense would doubtless be diminisiied. 

Number of ..Auxiliary Societies according to last Report. 

'Ihese amount only to 223. Some have probably been omitted, and such 
(indeed all) are earnestly requested to report to the Parent Society their 
lists of officers, and number of members. 

Testimony of Captain A^icliolson, of ilie United Stales jyaty. 

"The ajipcarance of ail tlu- colonists, those orMonrovia, as well as' those of Cald- 
well, iiidicatcd more than ontciitmcnt. Th;"ir manners were those of freemen, who 
cx|>cricnc!-d (lie l)les.«i!ig of iib,Tty,aiid appreciated thi- boon. ISIaii}' of them had by 
trade acquired a compc-toncy. * * * The childrt- n l)'.)ri\ in the couiitrv 
arc fiiiL- looking, and I i)ri'suine can be rai-^rd as easily as those ol the natives. All 
the colonists with wlioiu I had commniiication (and with nearly tlu- whole of tlu-iu 
did I co.iiinimicate, iu pi-rson or by my oiUcrs) expressed their decided niifh to re- 
/iiuin in ilieirprcsetit siluatioyi, ralhcr than return again to tlic United States. 
Tesiimonti of Captain luuned;/. of Hie Java, Norfolk, Jane 22, 1831. 

I songlit out the mostshnwd and inl'.-lligi'nt of the colonists, many of whom were 
p-rsonally known to me, and by long and wary conversations, endeavoured to elicit 
from them any dissatisfaction with their situation, if such existed, or any latent de- 
sire to return to their native country. Neillur of these did I observe. On the con- 
trary, I thought I conld pcreeivo tliat Ihty cotisidncd (hat tlu: y liad started into a new 
existence; that, diseni-nrubered of the niortitying relations in which they formerly 
stood in society, they i'.-lt themselves proud in their attitude, and seemed conscious, 
that while they were the founders of a new empire, they were prosecuting the no- 
bk- purpose of the regeneration of the land of their fathers." 



15 

Tesiimony of Captain Slicrw.an, May 1{), 1820. 
N'o wliilc people are allowed to re>ide in the coli;iiy, (or the jiurpose of li'ftcle, or of 
imrsuing' any im-chaiiical business, such being intended for the exclusive benefit ot 
vy coloured people. 

"The townsphip of Caldwell is about seven miles from Monrovia, on St. Paul'.s ri- 
ver, and contains a population of five hundred and sixty aa:riculturists. The soil i.s ex- 
ceedingly fertile and pleasant, and the peo))le satisfied and happy. The emigrants 
carried out by me, and from whom I received a pleasing and satisfactory account of 
that part of the territory, are located there." 

Testimony of CapUiiJi Abeh, Feb. 10, l-!3'2. 

"On the 14th December,] arrived at RIonrovia, and on the 10th went on shore, 
and was received in the most polite and friendly manner by the governor, Dr. Mech- 
lin, wlio introduced me to the ministers and [jriiicipal inhabitants. All the colonists 
appeared to be in good health. All my expeclalions inregardio the aspect of things, 
the health, /uirmony, order, rontcninunt, industry, and genei-al prosperity of the settlers, 
were more thanrealized. There are about two hundred buildings in the town ofMoii- 
rovia, extending along the Cajic Montserado, not far from a mile and a quarter. — 
Most of these are good substantial houfes and stores, (the first story of many of them 
being of stone,) and some of them handsome, spacious, |)ainted, aud with Venetian 
blinds. Nothing struck me as more remarkable than the great superiority, in intelli- 
g-'nce, manners, conver.'ation, dress and general appearance in every respect, of the j>eo- 
)de over their coloured brethren in America. So much was I pleased with what I saw, 
that I observed to the people, should I make a true report, it would hardi}- be credit- 
ed in the United States. Among all that 1 conversed with, / did not f.nd adiscon- 
ti'tited person, or hear one express a desire to return to Ameincu. I saw no intempe- 
rance, nor did I heara jirofaiie word uttered by any one. IJeiiiga Minister of the Gos- 
)iel, on Christmas day I preached both in the Methodist and IJaptist Churches, to full 
and attentive congregations of from three to four hundred jyersons in each. 

"Most of the settlers ap[)ear to be rapidly acquiring property; and I have no doubt 
they are doing better for themselves and their children in Liberia, than they could 
do in any other part of the world. Could the free people of colour in this country 
Init see the real condition of their brethren who have settled in Africa, I am persua- 
ded they would require no other motive to induce them to emigrate. This is my 
decided and delib^-rate judgment. 

"P. S. I have several times dined with the Coloni.'ts, and I think no better tables 
could be set in any part of (he world. We had every thing that heart could desire, 
of meats, and fish, and fowles, and vegetables, and wines," fee. &c. 

Testimony of Dr. Shane to R. S. Finlcy Esa. under date of Liber lei, Feb. 18, 1832. 

De.\r Sir: — With great pleasure I inform you of our safe arrival at Monrovia, 
with all the passengers in good health and s|)irits. The emigrants were immediate- 
ly taken up to Caldwell, wlu-re thev" will remain undercharge of Dr. Todsen, ivho 
resides there, until they have tliei.i seasoning spell (which takes j)lacc in twoor 
three weeks), after which their lands will be assigned them, aud every facility af- 
forded to make them easv and comfortable in circumstances. All emigrants here are 
treated with the utmost kindness, by the officers of govei-nment, who interest them- 
selves personally in their bohalf, and endeavoui- to make them as comfortable as ])ossible. 
La.id is |)iirchas,'d at 2.5 CL'iits jjjr acre, and every inducement held out to the farm 
er and mechanic. Coifv.'e, sugar cane and cotton grow wild; the last of which, I was 
picking myself yesterday , in sight of the town. I h.-ar no dissatisfaction expressed 
by the emigrants, nor any desire to return to the United States. 
I am certain no friend to humanitv, can come here and see the state of things, with- 
out being imju-essed with the immense b,-nefits the Society is conferring on the 
long neglected and op|iressed sons of Africa, and find their whole soul enlisted in 
behalf of so noble an Institution. Let but the coloured man come and see for him- 
s:elf, and the tear of gratitude will beam in his eye, as he looks foi'ward to the not 
f.ir distant day, when Liberia shall take her stand among- the nations of the world, 
and proclaim .ibroad an em))ii'e, founded by benevolence — offering a home to the 
poor, oppressed and wearj-. iNothing, rest assured that nothing but a want of knowl- 
edge of Lib.-ria, prevents thous.-inds of honest, industrious free blacks l"rom rushing 
to this heaven-blessed land, where liberty and religion, with all their blessings, are 
enjoyed. 

Under date of Dec. '29, 1.^31, the Hon. .lames Madison irrilcs to the Secretary. 
"I may observe in brief, that the Society hadalwajsmy good wishes, though with 
liopes of its success less sanguine than were entertained by others, found to have 
been the better judges; and, that I feel the greatest pleasure at the i)rogress already 
made by the Society, and the encouragement to encounter remaining ditliculties af- 
forded by the earlier and greater ones already overcome. Many circumstances at 
the present moment s»em to concur in brightening the prospects of the Society, and 



16 

cheribhiug tLj Lope that the time will come, whi:n the diead/ul caltimitij which feas so 
lone afflicted our country and filled so many with despair, will be gradually removed 
and by means consistent with justice, peace and the general satisfaction: thus giving 
?o our country the full onjoyment of the blessings oC liberty, and to the world the 
full benefit of its gredt example. 1 never considered the main difficulty of the great 
work as lying in the deficiency of emancipations, but in an inadequacy of asylums for 
such a growing mass of population, and in the great expense of removing it to its new 
home. The spirit of private manumission as the laws may permit, aiid the exiles 
may consent, is increasing and will increase; and there are suliicient indications that 
the public authorities in slave-holding States are looking forward to interpositions in 
different forms that must have a powerful etfcct. With respect to the new abode 
for the emigrants, all agree that the choice made by the Society is rendered peculiar- 
ly appropriate by considerations which need not be repeated, and if other situations 
should not be found eligible receptacles for a portion of them, the prospects in Africa 
seem to be expanding in a highly encouraging degree. 

'Ill coatt-mplatina; the pecuniary resources needed for the removal of sucha num- 
ber to so great a distance, my thoughts and hopes have been long turned to the rich 
fund presented in the western lands of the Nation, which will soon entirely cease to 
be under a pledge for another object. The great one in question is truly of a nation- 
al character, and it is known that distinguished patriots not dwelling in slave-hold- 
ing States have viewed the object in that light, and would be willing to let the na- 
tional domain be a resource in ettecting it.' 

Under date of Dec. 14, 1S31, Chirf Justice Marshall vrrites to the Secretary. 

"The great object of the Society, I presume, is to obtain pecuniary aids. Appli- 
cation will undoubtedly be made, I hope successfully, to the several State Legisla- 
tures, by ths societies farmed within them respectively. It is extremely desirable 
that thoy should pass permanent laws on the subject, and the excitement produced 
by ths lata insurrection makes this a favourable moment for the friends of the Colony 
to press for such acts. 

'It is undoubtedly of great importance to retain the countenance and protection of 
the General Government. Some of our cruizers stationed on the coast of Africa 
would, at thii same time, interrupt the slave trade— a horrid traffic, detested by all good 
men, and would protect thevessds and commerce of the Colony from pirates who in- 
fest those seas. The power of the government to afford this aid is not, I believe, 
contested. I regret that its power to grant pecnaiary aid is not equally free from 
question. On this subject, I have always thought, and still think, tliat the proposi- 
tion made by Mr. King, in thi S.-^nate, is the most unexceptionable, and the most 
effective that can be devised. 

'The fund would probably operate as rapidly as would be desirable, when we 
take into view the other resources which might come in aid of it; and its application 
would be, perhaps, less exposed to those constitutional objections which are made in 
the South than the application of money drawn from the treasury and raised by tax- 
es. The lands arc the property of tho United States, and have heretofore been dis- 
posed of by the government under the idea of absolute ownership.' 

Things which should be done to aid the Cause. 

A Slate Colonizat'um Sociefy should be formed in each State nf the Union — 
There are now seventeen State Societies. 

It is vastly important that each State Society should influence our fellow-ci- 
tizens to esfahlish an Auxiliary Society in every county or town nf the Union. 

Lei every Cierg'yman preach at least once a year on tlie subject. 

Let all the churches nf every denomination in the United States, take up col- 
lections annually for the Society, on or about the Fourth of July. 

Let meeting-s of tlie citizens be held in every count}-, or town in the Uni- 
ted States, and memorials in belialf of the cause of the Society, be sent in 
by them to their State Legislatuvew, and to (Congress. 

Let tlie Ladies every where form associations to assist tlie object. 

Let every Editor publish snmethin^tn its favour weekly, and send his paper 
in exchange to the African Repository, Weishiugion City. 

Let tile P"riend.s of the cause, make such arrang-ements, as may g^ive an 
opportunity to every individual in the country of making annually a contri- 
bution, if it be but of a single cent, to promote it. 

Finally, let every man feel it to be a personal duty to g-'ive his counte- 
nance and support to the cause, let liim realize its greatnes?, its practicabil- 
ity and glory, and the work will soon be done. 




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